Online Master of Science in Agronomy

The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a fully online Master's Degree in Agronomy designed for today's agricultural professionals who want to advance their agricultural careers while staying in their communities.

About the Master's Degree

Agronomy is the application of plant and soil science to crop production. It includes the study of plant breeding, genetics, biotechnology, molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, weed control and crop management.

Students may choose from either a thesis-based (Option I) track or a non-thesis-based (Option II) track for the online Master's of Science Degree in Agronomy. Both options are student driven and allow students flexibility in selecting coursework to meet their career goals and interests. A greater level of responsibility is expected from students at the graduate level. Each master's student should take the lead when communicating with his or her advisor and graduate committee. Option I applicants may be required to discuss research logistics prior to program acceptance. See the pre-requisites:

Specializations for Online Students:

Online graduate students can also choose between several specializations. A specialization is a well-defined area of study (12-18 credits) that has been approved by the Graduate Council and will appear on a student's transcript along with the degree and major. Specializations are optional to Agronomy and Horticulture students.

There are three (3) specializations available online for master's students in Agronomy:

Crop Physiology and Production

Plant Breeding and Genetics

Range and Forage Sciences

This is one (1) specialization available online for master's students in Horticulture:

Minors

A minor is available to master's degree students who want to study a subject area that complements their major. A minimum of 9 credits must be taken to earn the minor. A minor is required for Option II (project) students, but not Option I (thesis) students. For more information, see our list of minors that work well with the agronomy or horticulture majors.

CEUs

Students taking graduate credit may also receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the Certified Crop Adviser program. For more information on CEUs, visit the Certified Crop Adviser website or, once you have completed applicable courses, please contact Leah Sandall at lsandall5@unl.edu or 402-472-9295, who can help you register for your CEUs.